Ignition Interlock Device for Operating While Intoxicated

If you are convicted of an OWI with an alcohol concentration of .15% or greater or OWI/refusal to submit to a chemical test, the court MUST order: (1) an ignition interlock device (IID) installed on every vehicle that is titled or registered in your name; and (2) a restriction of your operating privileges to only vehicles equipped with an IID.

The IID restriction period is a minimum of one (1) year. The Court Clerk will notify the Department of Transportation (DOT) of all court orders requiring IID installation.

You will not be able to obtain an occupational license or reinstate your regular license unless you provide the DMV with proof that an IID has been installed on every vehicle that is titled or registered in your name. The occupational license or reinstated regular license will have Class D operating privileges restricted to vehicles equipped with an IID.

An ignition interlock device (IID) or breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BIID) is a mechanism, like a breathalyzer, installed to a motor vehicles dashboard. Before the vehicle can be started, the driver must first exhale into the device. If the breath alcohol concentration analyzed result is greater than the programmed blood alcohol concentration (.02%), the device prevents the engine from starting.

Pursuant to State law, the Chemical Test Section of the Wisconsin Division of State Patrol is responsible for evaluating IIDs and approving manufactures and their devices for use in the State. There is a list of approved venders on DOT’s website at http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/statepatrol/services/chemtest.htm. Please check their website for possible updates. Below is a list of currently approved IID manufacturers.

Please call the vendors for current installation and maintenance prices. If you have any questions regarding the IID device, manufacturers or vendors please call the Chemical Test Section at 608-266-0084. If you have questions concerning IID forms or drivers’ records maintenance, please call the DMV Compliance and Restoration Unit at 608-266-2261.

All installed ignition interlock devices will be scheduled for service at intervals not to exceed 60 days. Any failure to report for required services, shall be reported to the sheriff of the county where the customer resides. Each time the device is serviced, the service provider shall review the data recorded in the device’s memory and retain a copy of the data in the customer’s file. Any tampering, circumvention, bypass or violation resets shall be immediately reported to the sheriff in the county where the customer resides.

Failure to install, removal, disconnection, tampering with, or circumvention of the IID is a criminal offense and may result in a fine and/or up to six (6) months in jail, plus a mandatory six (6) month extension of the IID order period.

Note: If you would like to request an exemption from vehicle(s) titled or registered in your name, please request an Order for Ignition Interlock Exemptions and Removing Title Transfer Stops Form at your court date. Exemptions will be granted by the court only upon a finding of undue financial hardship where appropriate evidence is presented.

You must bring in your 17 digit identification VIN number(s), year, color and make of the vehicle(s) to your scheduled court date.